Dr. Michael Sander, M.D.
Contact & Location
Weslaco, TX 78596
Dr. Michael Sander is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Weslaco, Texas. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Sander has performed 26 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#292 in Texas) and 16 hip replacements, for a combined total of 42 procedures.
In Texas, Dr. Sander performs below average in knee (26 vs 42 avg), below average in hip (16 vs 31 avg).
Dr. Sander's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (26 cases) and hip replacements (16 cases).
Dr. Sander is the only orthopedic surgeon in Weslaco represented in the current Medicare dataset, serving as the primary local option for patients considering joint replacement surgery in the area.
Dr. Sander's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 70 procedures in 2018 before settling at 42 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Sander's 26 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims represent approximately 33–37% of all joint replacements performed nationally (source: CMS data, AJRR). This range estimates the surgeon's total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count above is the definitive, audited figure.
How Dr. Sander Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Texas state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Sander's recorded volume peaked at 70 procedures in 2018 and stood at 42 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
Hospital Affiliations & Quality
Quality ratings and complication rates are hospital-level metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon performance. Star ratings updated quarterly. Complication data covers a rolling 3-year period.
Patient Resources: Preparing for Knee Replacement
If you are considering knee replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
An overview of current surgical approaches including robotic-assisted and minimally invasive techniques, implant options, and expected outcomes.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
Medicare Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
Knee Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full knee replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Sander
How does Dr. Sander's procedure volume compare to other Texas surgeons?
Dr. Sander has performed 42 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Texas average is 57 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Sander ranks #283 out of 582 orthopedic surgeons in Texas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Sander perform?
Dr. Sander's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (26 cases) and hip replacement (16 cases).
Where is Dr. Sander's practice located?
Dr. Sander practices in Weslaco, Texas. The office is located at 1315 E 6th St, Weslaco, TX 78596. Patients in the surrounding area can consult Dr. Sander for joint replacement evaluation.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Sander represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on the most recent Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This captures approximately 33–37% of all joint replacements performed nationally. Dr. Sander's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 42 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Sander's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Sander's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 70 procedures in 2018 and was 42 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Does Dr. Sander perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Sander's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (26 cases), hip replacement (16 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Sander affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Sander is affiliated with Rio Grande Regional Hospital, Knapp Medical Center, Doctors Hosptal At Renaissance, South Texas Health System Behavioral.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Sander practices?
Rio Grande Regional Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Knapp Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Doctors Hosptal At Renaissance (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Patient Resources & Verification
Research reviews, verify credentials, and check official quality data through these trusted sources:
Medicare Care Compare and NPI Registry are official U.S. government sources. Google reviews reflect user-submitted feedback. OrthoProcedures.com does not verify the accuracy of third-party review content.